HCA Trainee

POSITION SUMMARY
This position is for paid training, requires 75 hours of over 120 days in order to test and receive a HCA license from the state. When not in training, the HCA Trainee will assist caregivers throughout the community as assigned.

The Home Care Aide (HCA) Trainee provides quality nursing care to residents in an environment which promotes resident rights, dignity, and freedom of choice, while providing individualized attention and encouraging residents to maintain or attain the highest practical physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and answering residents' call lights promptly and courteously.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Learns caregiver responsibilities by completing training program, includes completing study assignments
• Observes caregivers throughout the community, and practices learned skills with residents as directed.
• Works with caregivers in understanding and ensuring that individualized care plans are followed and providing the Director of Nursing Services or other care planning staff with specific information, changes and observations of the residents' needs and preferences.
• Follows the ADLs of each individuals care plan attending to the individual needs of residents including assistance with grooming, bathing, oral hygiene, feeding, incontinent care, toileting, colostomy care, prosthetic appliances, transferring, ambulation, range of motion, communicating, or other needs in keeping with the individuals’ care requirements.
• Provides care that maintains each resident’s skin integrity to prevent pressure ulcers, skin tears, and other damage by changing incontinent residents, turning, repositioning immobile residents, and applying moisturizers to fragile skin.  
• Protects the personal belongings of each resident including eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids, furnishings, jewelry, clothing, memorabilia, etc. Promptly reports missing items according to established policy.
• Performs various tasks assigned by the Director of Nursing Services, or trainer, including vital signs, residents' weights, applying creams/ointments, collecting specimens, as well as lifting, moving, and transporting residents, using proper body mechanics or lifting devices for accident prevention, once learned.
• Keeps records documenting care provided or other information in keeping with policies while performing all job responsibilities in accordance with the policy and procedures including standard precautions, thorough hand washing, use of gloves where indicated, and proper disposal of soiled materials.
• Communicates and interacts effectively and tactfully with the resident, visitors, families, peers, and supervisors.
• Follows standard precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English
• Current First Aid and CPR card
• Maintain current Food Handlers card
• Pass a Criminal Background and fingerprint check
• Demonstrates basic computer knowledge and ability with an aptitude to learn company applications.
• Has compassion and a special interest in working with the senior population.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays and overtime, to meet the requirements of the position.
• Ability to relate positively and communicate appropriately with residents, families, community members, volunteers and other employees.
• Ability to creatively problem-solve in resident care
• Maintains clean, neat, comfortable, safe environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
• Meets all mandatory health requirements by State regulations.
• Ability to work independently (with minimum supervision)

BENEFIT INFORMATION (Dependent on full time or part time status)

Benefits include paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance and 401(k).  Incentive for night shifts and assistance fund to help with hardships or continuing education